Man and Woman Accused of North Side Business Burglaries
A man and woman are facing charges for allegedly burglarizing multiple businesses across Chicago’s North Side in February and March. The crimes were previously highlighted by Chicago police in a community alert issued on Valentine’s Day. Records indicate that the woman, Alyssa Degaetano, has an outstanding warrant for her arrest due to failure to appear in court.
Authorities arrested Degaetano, 19, and James Liberty, 40, after observing them leaving a CVS store outside of regular business hours in the 4000 block of North Lincoln. According to their arrest reports, they confessed to breaking into the store through the rear door and stealing $100 from a cash register. However, no charges have been filed in connection with this specific incident.
The pair is accused of collaborating on six additional overnight business burglaries. The crime spree typically involved breaking into businesses by either kicking in rear doors or using a hammer to pry them open, enabling them to steal safes, deposit bags, register proceeds, and alcohol.
Prosecutors allege that Degaetano and Liberty burglarized various establishments, including Voseges Chocolate on February 2, Biznago on February 27, Shuba’s Tavern on March 13, Taco Max Cantina on March 12, Pho’s Thai Cuisine on March 23, and an unidentified business on March 12.
Degaetano is facing six counts of burglary, while Liberty, who is additionally charged with burglarizing Nashville Hot Chicken on February 10, is facing seven counts.
Court records indicate that Judge Susana Ortiz released Liberty on an ankle monitor, while Degaetano, who was not placed on electronic monitoring, has failed to appear in court since being charged.
